What approach should a successful pest management system use?

A successful pest management system should utilize a combination of methods to effectively control pest populations while minimizing harm to the environment, humans, and non-target organisms. This approach, often referred to as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), integrates various strategies such as biological control (using natural predators), cultural practices (altering farming practices), mechanical control (using physical barriers or traps), and judicious chemical methods.

By combining these different approaches, it's possible to address the various life stages and behaviors of pests more comprehensively than by relying solely on one method, such as chemicals or traps alone. This not only enhances pest control effectiveness across different situations and pest types but also promotes sustainability by reducing the likelihood of pests developing resistance to any one method. Furthermore, using a multifaceted approach helps target the problem more precisely, thereby reducing the overall use of chemicals and potentially harmful practices.